3890 - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Director

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Director works closely with firm leadership to develop and execute firmwide strategies which promote the recruitment, development, engagement, and retention of diverse attorneys and staff. The Director provides strategic advice on diversity related matters and works closely with key firm personnel to implement leading-edge professional development programs, leverage data insights to maximize impact, and serve as an internal and external face of the firm for DEI matters. The DEI Director guides the firm's Employee Resource Groups, the DEI Advisory Board, Firm Management, and Human Resources/AD&R in the implementation of firmwide DEI strategies. A hybrid work schedule is available for this position.

Reporting Relationship: This position reports directly to the firm's Managing Partner and CEO with accountability to the Chief Talent Officer.

Location: Albany, NY; Boston, MA; Buffalo, NY; Chicago, IL; Manchester, NH; Melville, NY; New York City, NY; Providence, RI; Rochester, NY; Washington, DC

Job Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Attorney Development and Retention team to support professional development of diverse attorneys and to develop plans for diverse associates in need of additional support or resources. Participate in associate evaluation processes. Serve as an additional resource, mentor and advisor for attorneys across the firm.
• Provide advice and support to Firm Management, Firm Leadership, and DEI Advisory Board in the establishment of diversity goals, objectives, and strategies. Advise major functions on identifying and addressing DEI issues. Develop and communicate plans with key stakeholders to meet established goals and objectives.
• Contribute to the development of strategic training and activities that foster a productive dialogue and cooperation across the firm. Communicate and promote the firm's DEI goals through both one-on-one discussions and in larger group settings, including formal and informal training as required.
• Develop and implement programs, activities, and resources that enhance the firm's reputation and image as a leader in DEI. Identify trends and best practices across the firm that help attract, retain and advance diverse attorneys. Monitor development, workflow, and advancement of diverse attorneys and make recommendations.
• Partner with external organizations (e.g., Diversity Lab) to identify and implement best practices and initiatives.
• Work closely with Pro Bono & Social Impact team to support community engagement initiatives including CLE presentations.
• Partner with Recruiting teams to implement inclusive practices in recruiting and hiring (e.g., Diversity Recruiting Initiative). Make recommendations for improving approaches or processes.
• Manage ongoing initiatives for mentorship (i.e., On Track Sponsorship, Focused Five programs). Co-lead local diversity internship programs in collaboration with Recruiting team.
• Drive the Employee Resource Groups and other constituencies in developing strategic business plans and regular reporting to leadership in collaboration with Employee Resource Group leaders.
• Identify, promote, and coordinate diversity business development opportunities. Collaborate with Marketing & Business Development team on externally focused DEI programs and initiatives.
• Support DEI Strategic Services workgroup to help companies act on their DEI principles and live out their values in the public square. Work with internal stakeholders to achieve goals.
• Collaborate with DEI Partner to advise leadership on DEI-related issues, ensuring a strong connection between our efforts and our business strategy.
• Advise Communications Design team and other internal stakeholders on internal and external communications of the firm's diversity activities and initiatives.
• Support the establishment of key metrics which monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of diversity efforts and recommend changes needed for improvement. Partner with HR Operations to monitor and disseminate diversity metrics, including responding to client requests.
• Serve as point of contact for all client and industry DEI surveys, ensuring timely responses to diversity-data requests.
• Drive DEI-related bar association outreach and engagement, encourage strategic participation in bar association activities, and represent the firm at conferences and with media outlets.
• Support development of EEO policy and Affirmative Action planning initiatives and training to ensure alignment with DEI goals. Partner with HR team to recommend new policies and provide updates to existing policies that affect diverse employees within the firm.
• Maintain ongoing presence across locations to build relationships and understand needs. Participate in new attorney DEI orientations as well as regular check-ins with diverse laterals.
• Develop and manage firmwide DEI budget.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential job responsibility listed above, satisfactorily. Nixon Peabody retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position. The requirements listed below are representative of the skills and abilities required.

• 10-12 years of related experience with a minimum 3-5 years of leading DEI programs. Experience in AmLaw 100 firm or a professional services environment preferred.
• Bachelor's Degree required; JD preferred.
• Vision and passion for DEI initiatives and their strategic importance to the organization's success
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with poise
• Advanced knowledge of DEI best practices and industry trends; applies expertise and business awareness to conceptualize strategies
• Demonstrated project management ability, initiative and proactive approach to diversity programs
• Ability to work well in a team environment with all levels of firm personnel and establish effective working relationships
• Ability to identify and leverage internal resources to accomplish tasks
• Strong interpersonal, detail-oriented and organizational skills, including demonstrated ability to manage multiple programs concurrently
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; ability to represent the firm in a professional manner that elevates the firm's reputation
• Strong computer skills and ability to master new systems
• High responsiveness to both internal and external clients
• Ability to manage conflict and develop strategies to foster cohesion and collaboration

Nixon Peabody LLP is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer: Disability / Female / Gender Identity / Minority / Sexual Orientation / Veteran.

To comply with Federal law, Nixon Peabody participates in E-Verify. All newly-hired employees are verified through this electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to confirm their identity and employment eligibility. Please refer to the Notice of E-Verify Participation and the Right to Work posters on the Nixon Peabody Careers page for more information.

In accordance with applicable Federal and State laws, the anticipated annual salary range for this position, depending on location, is as follows: NYC: $163,500 to $249,450; Providence: $143,800 to $219,500

In addition to a standard benefits package, this role may be eligible for additional contingent compensation based on an array of factors, including but not limited to: work performance, geographic location, work experience, education, and qualifications. Because such contingent compensation is not yet calculable or may be zero ($0) in some circumstances, the above-listed salary range is Nixon Peabody's good faith estimate of the annual salary it reasonably expects to pay for the position at the time of this posting.

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